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The arrest came only two weeks after Mr Pisasale stood down from his longstanding role as mayor of the southeast Queensland city on June 6, citing ill health.

Mr Pisasale has been charged with extortion and two counts of assault. ()

Speaking to media on the morning of his resignation at St Andrew’s Private Hospital, Mr Pisasale said a recent episode of multiple sclerosis, which he has suffered for 26 years, had put him “up against the wall”.

"My journey's been going for about 26 years and I'm so proud to have been a mayor that's represented such a wonderful city,” he said.

"Now it's my time to look after my health."

Mr Pisasale was first elected mayor in 2004 and remained hugely popular with Ipswich residents, winning the last election in 2016 with more than 83 percent of the vote.